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Industry veteran Francesco Balbi named Alicante’s new port manager

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Balbi, who has more than 25 years' experience in the maritime and cruise industry, will be responsible for enhancing the guest experience at Alicante Cruise Port
Alicante Cruise Port appointed Francesco Balbi, who has over 25 years of experience in the maritime and cruise industry, as its new port manager.

The move aims to drive the port’s success following news of Global Ports Holding and its local partner Sepcan being granted a 15-year concession for handling its cruise operations.

He will be responsible for managing and enhancing the guest experience at the cruise port, promoting the destination and collaborating with local stakeholders, and will report to Javier Rodriguez Sanchez, regional director – West Med & Asia, Global Ports Holding.

Sanchez said of the industry veteran, ‘His extensive experience in the maritime and cruise industry, coupled with his proven track record of success in managing port operations and promoting destinations, make him the ideal person to lead our newest Alicante Cruise Port.

‘We look forward to working with Francesco to achieve our goals of providing the highest level of service to our customers and promoting Alicante as a premier destination for cruise passengers.’

Francesco Balbi

Prior to becoming Alicante’s port manager, Balbi served as the environmental director for MSC Cruises, leading a team of over 60 people and overseeing all operational activities connected with the marine environment. He was also a member of the Environment Subcommittee of the European Cruise Council.

In 2014, Balbi was appointed as GM of Alicante Cruise Terminal and later served as the president of Alicante Costa Blanca Turismo y Cruceros Association, raising the profile of the destination.